[HPforGrownups] Re: ADMIN - Debate Netiquette

[John Walton]

No: HPFGUIDX 11634

>> "voicelady" <voicelady at m...> wrote:

>> Please, when involved in a debate, remember one little rule, and
>> everyone will be happy and no one's feelings get hurt.  In order to
>> make your point, do so positively - by listing the reasons that
>> uphold your argument rather than negatively - by pointing out what
>> is "wrong" with the opposing argument.  This way, it's a
>> constructive debate.

> Dai Evans wrote:
> Here you are quite wrong. To make a debate worthwhile you have to
> point out the weaknesses in the arguments of others if you are to get
> your point across. In order to present a theory/opinion it is often
> necessary to discount opposing theories/opinions to make your own
> credible. I do agree that this should be done in a way that respects
> other peoples opinions, but if there is a legitimate reason why
> another person is incorrect in an assumption, it would be to the
> detriment of the discussion not to point it out.

::runs for dinner jacket and bow tie, hurriedly puts them on and ascends to
the lectern::

Agreed. However, Messrs Speaker, The Proposition would underline that it is
very weak debating style to only point out weaknesses of or points where
your opinion differs to the "opposing" side. Activity rather than Reactivity
is the name of the game (at least it was when I did Cambridge Union Debating
as a schoolboy :D).

Moreover, Messrs Speaker, the Proposition notes that this is not truly a
debating forum. This list is a discussion list and, as such, one should
refrain from direct personal attacks upon others. This would include
denigrating others' opinions based solely on value judgments or one's own
opinion of a situation.

Thank you and good night. ::bows out::

--John

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John "Purple Meany" Walton                 john at walton.to

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